Simulating several instruments using a single virtual instrument

ABSTRACT

A media application for providing outputs (e.g., audio outputs) in response to inputs received from an input device is provided. The media application may connect input mechanisms of an input device with parameters of channel strips (e.g., which may define output sounds) using an intermediate screen object. The media application may first assign an input mechanism to a screen object, and separately map a screen object to a channel strip parameter. The media application may map a screen object to several channel strips simultaneously such that, based on the value of the screen object, the volume of each of the several channel strips changes. The media application may provide a graphical representation of available channel strips using layers. As the media application accesses a channel strip, the appearance of the portion of the layer associated with the channel strip may change. The media application may also allow the patches, which may include several channel strips, to survive after a new patch is selected instead.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of U.S. Pat. No. 8,426,718entitled “Simulating Several Instruments Using a Single VirtualInstrument,” filed Jun. 27, 2011, which is a divisional of U.S. Pat. No.7,973,232 entitled “Simulating Several Instruments Using a SingleVirtual Instrument,” filed Jan. 8, 2008, the entirety of which isincorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to a media application for providing mediaoutputs in response to receiving inputs from an input device.

Using some media applications, user may provide inputs using MIDI inputdevices (e.g., an electric keyboard or a drum pad) that may be modifiedbefore being output by the media application. For example, the mediaapplication may include effects for changing the instrument of theoutput sound, distorting the sound, causing the sound to survive afterthe user releases a key, or any other suitable effect. The mediaapplications, however may include complex user interfaces that may limita user's producing experience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, a media application for enhancing a user's audio producingexperience is provided.

In some embodiments, the media application may assign physical controlsof the input device, for example input mechanisms of the input device toscreen objects. The screen objects may represent knobs, rollers,sliders, faders, buttons or other input mechanisms that the user may useto provide inputs to the media application. The media application mayalso map screen objects to parameters of channel strips that define theattributes of sound output by the media application. When the userprovides an input using an input mechanism, the media application mayfirst cause the screen object assigned to the input mechanism to move inresponse to the input, and subsequently cause the parameter mapped tothe screen object to a change in response to the change in value of thescreen object.

When a user changes input devices, the media application may maintainthe mappings between the screen objects and parameters, but lose theassignments between the input mechanisms of the input device and thescreen objects. To couple the input mechanisms of the new input deviceto the channel strip parameters, the user may simply re-assign the inputmechanisms of the new input device to the screen objects.

In some embodiments, the media application may simulate severalinstruments using a single instrument (e.g., a single input device thatis an instrument). The media application may assign several channelstrips, each defining different instruments, to a layer. Each channelstrip may be associated with a key range of the input device such thatin response to receiving an input that falls within a channel strip'skey range, the channel strip is used to output a sound. To expand thekey range of each channel strip, the media application may define afloating split between channel strips. In response to receiving an inputthat exceeds the initial key range of a channel strip, the mediaapplication may selectively increase the channel strip so that theoutput is provided using the channel strip. The media application mayinclude any suitable criteria for selectively increasing the key rangeof a channel strip, including for example parameters set by the user,the previous inputs received, the time lapsed since the previous input,the jump between the previous input and the current input (e.g., morethan one octave), or any other suitable criteria.

In some embodiments, the media application may mix different levels ofdifferent sounds in response to an input from an input mechanism. Themedia application may assign levels (e.g., volume) of several channelstrips with different values of an input mechanism. For example, themedia application may provide a graph of channel strip curves when theposition on one axis of the chart is determined by the value of an inputmechanism (e.g., a foot pedal). In response to determining the currentvalue of the input mechanism, the media application may determine theassociated level at which each channel strip is output (e.g., based onthe position on each channel strip curve) and provide an output of thechannel strips and the determined values. In some embodiments, the usermay fade out a first channel strip and fade in a second strip bychanging the value of the input mechanism.

In some embodiments, the media application may provide visual responsesto inputs received from the input device. The media application maydisplay several layers, each representing one or more channel strips.When the user provides an input to access the channel strip of a layer,the media application may change the appearance of the accessed channelstrip (or of the entire accessed layer) to indicate to the user thechannel strip currently being used to output a sound. In someembodiments, if several channel strips or layers are used, the mediaapplication may change the appearance of the several channel strips orlayers. The amount by which the appearance of a layer changes may bedetermined using any suitable approach, including for example based onthe strength or velocity of the user's input.

In some embodiments, the media application may direct a patch thatincludes several channel strips to survive when a new patch is selected.For example, the media application may set a parameter allowing a patchto survive (and to continue controlling the output of sounds) despite nolonger being selected. As another example, the media application may seta parameter for a patch to resonate or to fade after a new patch isselected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features of the present invention, its nature andvarious advantages will be more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing detailed description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an illustrative system the user may accessa media application for controlling the output of media in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustrative display of a musical typing mode in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an illustrative mapping between physicalinput mechanisms of an input device and media application parameters inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an illustrative data structure for mappinginput mechanisms to media application parameters in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an illustrative indirect mapping betweeninput mechanisms and media application parameters in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an illustrative data structure forassigning input mechanisms to screen objects in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an illustrative data structure for mappingscreen objects to media application parameters in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is an illustrative display of a media application screen thatincludes screen objects mapped to media application parameters inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8A is an illustrative display of a parameter map in accordance withone embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 8B and 8C are schematic displays of a media system in whichdifferent input mechanisms are assigned to screen objects while screenobjects are mapped to media application parameters in accordance withone embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an illustrative process for indirectly mappinga physical input mechanism to a media application parameter inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic views of an illustrative channel stripmixer interface in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10C is a schematic view of channel strips identified in the channelstrip mixer interface of FIGS. 10A and 10B in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of another channel strip mixer interface inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of an illustrative display screen of agraphical representation of an input device in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is an illustrative display screen of several layers when a userprovides an input at a first velocity in accordance with an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 14 is an illustrative display screen of the several layers of FIG.13 when a user provides an input at a second velocity in accordance withan embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of an illustrative process for providing a visualrepresentation of an accessed layer in accordance with one embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 16 is a schematic view of an illustrative display screen withseveral channel splits in a layer in accordance with one embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 17 is an illustrative display of a channel strip inspector inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18A is a schematic view of the illustrative display screen of FIG.16 when the floating split between the channel strips moves inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18B is a schematic view of a flexible key range defined by afloating split point applied to a keyboard in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18C is a schematic view of a keyboard to which a flexible key rangeis applied in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 19A is a flowchart of an illustrative process for extending the keyrange of a channel strip using a floating split in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 19B is a flowchart of another illustrative process for setting thekey range of a channel strip using a floating split in accordance withone embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of an illustrative process for determiningwhether to extend the key range of a channel strip in accordance withone embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of an illustrative process for maintaining apatch sound after a new patch is selected in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of another illustrative process for maintaining apatch sound after another patch is selected in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an illustrative system the user may accessa media application for controlling the output of media in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention. System 100 may include electronicdevice 102. Electronic device 102 may include any electronic device withwhich a user may access media objects (e.g., images, videos, music orother files). Suitable electronic devices may include, for example, acomputer, a cellular telephone, a mobile communications device, apersonal media device, a set-top box, a television system, combinationsthereof (e.g., the iPhone, available from Apple Inc. of Cupertino,Calif.) or any other suitable electronic device.

Electronic device 102 may include processor 104 for performing theoperations of electronic device 102. Processor 104 may be coupled to anyother suitable component of electronic device 102. For example,processor 104 may be coupled to memory, a storage device, communicationscircuitry, a display, audio circuitry, a bus, an I/O component, audiooutput circuitry, or any other suitable component.

System 100 may include input device 106 coupled to processor 104 forproviding user inputs to electronic device 102. Input device 106 may becoupled to processor 104 using any suitable connection, including forexample any suitable wired or wireless connection. Input device 106 mayinclude any suitable mechanism for providing user inputs or instructionsto electronic device 102. Input device 106 may take a variety of forms,such as one or more buttons, keyboard, keypad, dial, click wheel, mouse,or a touch screen. In some embodiments, input device 106 may include adevice that provides audio or music outputs. For example, input device106 may include a musical instrument (e.g., a keyboard, drum pad, or aguitar), an audio control device (e.g., a mixing console or a footpedal), or any other musical or audio input device. It will beunderstood that media system 100 may include several input devices 106.For the clarity of the figure, however, only one is shown.

Screen 108 may be any suitable screen for displaying media objects orother content to a user. For example, screen 108 may be a television, aprojector, a monitor (e.g., a computer monitor), a media device display(e.g., a media player or video game console display), a communicationsdevice display (e.g., a cellular telephone display), a component coupledwith a graphical output device, any combinations thereof, or any othersuitable screen. In some embodiments, screen 108 may be operative toprovide an audio output.

Users of the electronic device may access various applications,including media applications, implemented on the electronic device. Forexample, the electronic device may include an application for providingmulti-instrument and effects processes to a user (e.g., during a liveband performance). In some embodiments, media applications may beoperative to create, record, edit, mix, produce and publish media, suchas for example audio, music, videos, or combinations of these (e.g.,music videos or motion pictures). Using a media application implementedon the electronic device, users may generate and produce media contentthat is published in real time (e.g., music at a live concert).

Users may provide inputs (e.g., inputs associated with a musical note)to the media application using any suitable approach. In someembodiments, the user may use a computer keyboard to provide musicalnotes to the media application. FIG. 2 is an illustrative display of amusical typing mode in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.Musical keyboard display 200 may be displayed on screen 108 (FIG. 1) toprovide a user with an on-screen display of the correspondence betweenkeyboard keys and musical notes. Keyboard display 200 may include keys202, each of which may be correspond to a letter 204 (or other key) froma computer keyboard (e.g., input device 106, FIG. 1). Keyboard display200 may include musical keys 210 spanning several octaves, and shadedportion 212 identifying the currently played octave. The user may changeoctaves by selecting octave keys 214. The user may also change thevelocity at which the media application determines keys to be pressed byselecting the computer keyboard keys identified by velocity tag 216. Toprovide musical inputs using the computer keyboard, the user to firstactivate the musical typing mode (e.g., by selecting an associatedoption). In some embodiments, keyboard display 200 may be displayed whenthe musical typing mode is active.

In some embodiments, users may use a media input device, such as a MIDI(i.e., Musical Instrument Digital Interface) input device to provideaudio inputs. In response to receiving the data corresponding to theaudio inputs received from the media input device (e.g., input device106, FIG. 1), the media application may decode the received data andproduce a media output (e.g., an audio output) that reflects thereceived data and the currently enabled parameters and settings of themedia application (e.g., the currently enabled patch and channel strip,described below).

The media application may use any suitable approach for organizing theparameters and settings that define the media (e.g., the audio) outputin response to receiving particular data from the input device. Forexample, the media application may set (e.g., automatically or inresponse to a user instruction) one or more instruments and associatedparameters that define the output corresponding to a particular datainput (e.g., pressing a key on a MIDI keyboard causes the mediaapplication to play a note on an organ). The instruments and associatedparameters may be provided as part of a channel strip. At any giventime, the media application may enable one or more channel strips toallow the user to output one or more different sounds in response toinput device data.

In some embodiments, the media application may combine one or morechannel strips to create a particular sound, such as layered sounds orkeyboard splits. For example, the media application may combine channelstrips associated with different instruments (e.g., a piano and asynthesizer) to create a layered sound. As another example, the mediaapplication may associate different settings with different key ranges(e.g., lower key range of the input device has an effect that the higherkey range does not have). The media application may define patches thatinclude all of the channel strips used to create a particular sound(e.g., each desired sound may be defined by the channel strips of apatch). Each patch may include any suitable number of channel strips. Insome embodiments, each patch may be limited to a particular number ofchannel strips (e.g., 32 channel strips). The media application may thencombine all of the patches of a particular project into a concert.

In some embodiments, the user may control parameters of one or morechannel strips by controlling input mechanisms incorporated on the inputdevice. For example, input device 106 (FIG. 1) may include one or moreknobs, buttons, sliders, or other input mechanisms operative to provideinputs to media system 100 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the inputmechanism may include a MIDI controller. The user may associate eachinput mechanism with one or more particular media applicationparameters. For example, the user may associate each input mechanismwith the control of one of volume, tone, base, treble, tuning, trim,gain and amplification of audio signals received from input device 106.

The media application may map the physical input mechanisms of inputdevice 106 to media application parameters using any suitable approach.In some media systems, the media application may map physical inputmechanisms directly to media application parameters. FIG. 3 is aschematic view of an illustrative mapping between physical inputmechanisms of an input device and media application parameters inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention. Mapping 300 may includephysical input mechanisms 302, which may include any input mechanism ofan input device used to provide data or commands to the mediaapplication (e.g., input device 106, FIG. 1). Input mechanisms 302 maybe operative to provide data or other electric signals to the mediaapplication. In some embodiments, each input mechanism 302 may provideidentifying information with the data transmitted so that the mediaapplication may associate received data with the media applicationparameters or feature that the user wishes to control. For example, ifinput mechanisms 302 provides MIDI outputs, the MIDI data provided byinput mechanisms 302 may include an identification number specifying theparticular input mechanism from which the data is provided.

Each physical input mechanism 302 may be mapped to one or more parameter310 of the media application via mapping 300. FIG. 4 is a schematic viewof an illustrative data structure for mapping input mechanisms to mediaapplication parameters in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention. Data structure 400 may include column 402 of input mechanismIDs and column 410 of media application parameters. A unique identifierfor each input mechanism of input device 106 may be stored in each rowof column 402. For example, if each input mechanism is a MIDIcontroller, the unique identifier stored in column 402 may be the MIDInumber associated with the input mechanism.

Column 410 may include identification information for media applicationparameters controlled by the input mechanisms. The media application maymap a parameter to a particular input mechanism by storing the parameterin the row identified by the particular input mechanism ID (e.g.,parameter 2 map be mapped with input mechanism B). The user may directthe media application to map an input mechanism to a parameter using anysuitable approach. In some embodiments, the user may enable a “learn”mode of the media application. In response to enabling the learn mode,the media application may monitor incoming data received from inputmechanisms of the input device (e.g., input device 106, FIG. 1) toidentify each input mechanism as it is operated (e.g., as the user turnseach knob or moves each slider). To map a particular input mechanism,the user may operate the input mechanism, allowing the media applicationto identify the particular input mechanism (e.g., from identifying dataprovided by the mechanism), and select a media application parameter towhich the particular input mechanism may be mapped (e.g., select theparameter from an on-screen option). The user may then repeat thisprocess to map the remaining input mechanisms to media applicationparameters.

Although this approach may be allow the user to map input mechanismswith media application parameters, the mapping may be lost when the userswitches input devices. For example, when a user removes a keyboard andconnects a mixing console, or removes a first keyboard and connects asecond keyboard, the mapping between the input mechanisms of thekeyboard and the media application parameters may be lost (e.g., becausethe input mechanisms of the new device may not have the same ID, forexample MIDI number, as the input mechanisms of the initial keyboard).In addition, if the user has mapped parameters for several instruments(e.g., in several patches), the mapping map be lost and must be repeatedfor each instrument.

In some embodiments, the media application may instead provide indirectmapping between input mechanisms and media application parameters. FIG.5 is a schematic view of an illustrative indirect mapping between inputmechanisms and media application parameters in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention. Mapping 500 may include physical inputmechanisms 502, which may include any input mechanism of an input deviceused to provide data or commands to the media application (e.g., inputdevice 106, FIG. 1). Similar to input mechanisms 302, input mechanisms502 may be operative to provide data or other electric signals to themedia application. In some embodiments, each input mechanism 502 mayprovide identifying information with the data transmitted so that themedia application may associate received data with the media applicationparameters or feature that the user wishes to control (e.g., using MIDIdata).

Each physical input mechanism 502 may be assigned to an screen object510. Each screen object 510 may be displayed to the user on the displayscreen of the electronic device (e.g., display screen 108, FIG. 1).Screen objects 510 may have any suitable appearance, including forexample the appearance of input mechanisms 502 (e.g., knobs, sliders,wheels, or buttons). FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an illustrative datastructure for assigning input mechanisms to screen objects in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention. Data structure 600 may includecolumn 602 of input mechanism IDs and column 610 of screen objects. Aunique identifier for each input mechanism of input device 106 may bestored in each row of column 602. For example, if each input mechanismis a MIDI controller, the unique identifier stored in column 602 may bethe MIDI number associated with the input mechanism.

Column 610 may include identification information for screen objectsassigned to the input mechanisms. The media application may assign ascreen object to a particular input mechanism by storing theidentification information for the screen object in the row identifiedby the particular input mechanism ID (e.g., screen object 2 map beassigned to input mechanism b). The user may direct the mediaapplication to assign an input mechanism to a screen object using anysuitable approach. In some embodiments, the user may enable a “learn”mode of the media application. In response to activating the learn mode,the media application may monitor incoming data received from inputmechanisms of the input device (e.g., input device 106, FIG. 1) toidentify each input mechanism as it is operated (e.g., as the user turnseach knob or moves each slider). To assign a screen object to aparticular input mechanism, the user may operate the input mechanism,allowing the media application to identify the particular inputmechanism (e.g., from identifying data provided by the mechanism), andselect a screen object to assign to the particular input mechanism(e.g., select a screen object displayed on display 108). The user maythen repeat this process to assign screen objects to the remaining inputmechanisms.

Returning to mapping 500 of FIG. 5, screen objects 510 may be mapped tothe parameters of several channel strips 520 and 522. Although thefollowing discussion will refer to the parameters of channel strips, itwill be understood that any other suitable grouping of parameters (e.g.,patches) may be used. For example, screen objects 510 may be mapped to afirst set of parameters 520 when the media application enables channelstrip 1, and screen objects 510 may be mapped to a second set ofparameters 522 when the media application enables channel strip 2. Themedia application may allow mapping of screen objects to parameters forany suitable number of channel strips (e.g., up to the number of channelstrips supported by the system resources). FIG. 7 is a schematic view ofan illustrative data structure for mapping screen objects to mediaapplication parameters in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention. Data structure 700 may include column 702 of screen objectsand columns 710 a and 710 n of parameters. Column 702 may includeidentification information for each screen object. For example, column702 may include a unique identifier assigned by the media application toeach screen object.

The media application may map a screen object to a particular parameterin a channel strip by storing the particular parameter in the columnassociated with the patch (e.g., column 710 a) and in the row identifiedby the screen object identification information (e.g., screen object bmap be mapped to parameter 2). The user may direct the media applicationto map a screen object with a parameter using any suitable approach. Forexample, the media application may first select a channel strip (e.g.,receive a user selection of a channel strip), and subsequently receivean instruction from the user (e.g., using an input device to controlobjects displayed on the display) to map a parameter to a screen object.The media application may automatically update data structure 700 inresponse to a user instruction to perform a mapping. In someembodiments, data structures 600 and 700 may be combined in one datastructure.

By providing screen objects as an intermediary, the media applicationmay save the mappings between screen objects and media applicationparameters, even when the user removes or replaces the input device(e.g., and thus changes the input mechanisms). Then, the user mustsimply re-assign the new input mechanisms to the screen objects tocomplete the mapping between the input mechanisms and the mediaapplication parameters.

FIG. 8 is an illustrative display of a media application screen thatincludes screen objects mapped to media application parameters inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention. Display screen 800 mayinclude patch list 802, parameter mapping 820, channel strip menu 830,and screen control inspector 840. Patch list 802 may include tree 804 ofpatches 706 defined for the current media application project (e.g., thecurrent concert or recording). The media application may indicate that aparticular patch is enabled or active (e.g., and input mechanisminstructions control the parameters defined for the particular patch) inany suitable manner, including for example a highlight region, shading(e.g., shading 808), or any other suitable manner.

Screen objects may be displayed for each selected patch in parametermapping 820. In the example of FIG. 8, parameter mapping 820 may includescreen object 822 and screen object 824. In some embodiments, screenobjects 822 and 824 may resemble input mechanisms of the input device(e.g., input device 160). For example, if the input mechanism includes aslider, screen object 822 assigned to the slider may depict a slider. Insome embodiments, the user may select the type of screen object 822displayed in parameter mapping 820. In some embodiments, the mediaapplication may automatically identify the type of input mechanism used(e.g., based on identification information, such as MIDI data, providedby the input mechanism), and display a screen object that resembles theidentified input mechanism.

Screen objects 822 and 824 may be displayed using any suitable approach.In some embodiments, the user may select to add a new screen object toparameter mapping 820 (e.g., by providing an instruction to add a newscreen object, for example using a menu). The user may then, using a“learn” mode, assign a particular input mechanism of the input device tothe new screen object. In some embodiments, the media application mayautomatically display screen objects as the media application identifiesdifferent input mechanisms providing data to the electronic device. Forexample, in the “learn” mode, the media application may display a newscreen object for every input mechanism actuated by the user. The mediaapplication may use any suitable screen object, including for example anarbitrary or default screen object (e.g., first screen object displayedis a slider, and subsequent screen objects are knobs), a screen objectthat resembles the assigned input mechanism (e.g., identified from thedata provided by the input mechanism), or any other screen object.

In some embodiments, if the patch selected in patch list 802 is a childpatch, the media application may display the screen objects associatedwith the parent patches. For example, screen object 822, which may bemapped with the master volume parameter, may be associated with theultimate parent patch (e.g., Concert), may be displayed with screenobject 824, which may be a screen object specific to the selected childpatch (e.g., the patch identified by shading 808).

The user may select a parameter to map to a screen object (e.g., screenobject 822) using any suitable approach. For example, the user a screenobject, and select a parameter 834 of displayed channel strip 832 inchannel strip menu 830. In some embodiments, parameter mapping usingparameters displayed in channel strip menu 830 may only be enabled inresponse to selecting a “Map Parameter” option (e.g., a displayed buttonor menu item). As another example, the user may select a screen object(e.g., identified by highlight region 826), access screen controlinspector 840 and select a parameter using a parameter map. FIG. 8A isan illustrative display of a parameter map in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention. Parameter map 850, which may includeparameter tree 852 of available parameters to map, may be displayed inresponse to selecting parameter map option 842. In some embodiments,parameter map 850 may be displayed, for example, in portion 854 ofdisplay 800. Once a user has selected a parameter to map to a screenobject (e.g., selected screen object 822), the media application maydisplay label 828 with screen object 822 to allow the user to easilyidentify the parameter mapped to a displayed screen object.

In some embodiments, the user may modify the attributes of a selectedparameter using parameter attributes options 844. For example, the usermay edit the velocity sensitivity for a channel strip (e.g., the rangeof input velocities for which the channel strip is enabled), createcontroller transforms, filter messages received from the input device(e.g., filter received MIDI messages), or modify any other suitableparameter.

In some embodiments, the user may select a screen object set in a parentpatch while a child patch is active. In response to selecting the parentscreen object, the media application may initially grey out or otherwisemake unavailable the mapping to the selected parent screen object. Themedia application may require the user to affirmatively direct the mediaapplication to override the parent patch mapping to allow the screenobject to be re-mapped (e.g., by selecting “override” option 846).

FIGS. 8B and 8C are schematic displays of a media system in whichdifferent input mechanisms are assigned to screen objects while screenobjects are mapped to media application parameters in accordance withone embodiment of the invention. System 860 may include input device862, which may include several input mechanisms assigned to screenobjects 864 by assignments 863. Screen objects 864 may in turn be mappedto media application parameters 866 using mapping 865.

In system 870, when the user switches from input device 862 to inputdevice 872, mapping 865 from screen objects 864 to media applicationparameters 866 may be retained. To complete the setup, the user maysimply re-assign the input mechanisms of input device 872 to screenobjects 864 by assignments 873.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an illustrative process for indirectly mappinga physical input mechanism to a media application parameter inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention. In some embodiments,the media application may only call process 900 when the “learn” mode isenabled, or when the user has provided an indication to assign inputmechanisms or to map parameters to screen objects. Process 900 may beginat step 902. At step 904, the media application may enable a patch. Forexample, the media application may receive a user request to enable oractivate a particular patch. As another example, the media applicationmay automatically enable a patch (e.g., if only a single patch isavailable). At step 906, the media application may receive data from aninput mechanism. For example, the media application may receive theoutput of an input mechanism in response to a user actuating the inputmechanism. At step 908, the media application may identify the inputmechanism providing the data received at step 906. For example, themedia application may extract identification information from the datareceived at step 906 (e.g., an MIDI number).

At step 910, the media application may receive a selection of a screenobject. For example, the media application may receive a user selectionof a screen object (e.g., screen object 822, FIG. 8). As anotherexample, the media application may automatically select a screen object(e.g., a new screen object created or selected for the newly identifiedinput mechanism). At step 912, the media application may assign theinput mechanism identified at step 908 with the screen object selectedat step 910. For example, the media application may update a datastructure that includes the assignment of input mechanisms to screenobjects to reflect the new assignment of the identified input mechanismto the selected screen object (e.g., data structure 600, FIG. 6).

At step 914, the media application may determine whether to map theselected screen object to a parameter. For example, the mediaapplication may determine whether the selected screen object has beenpreviously mapped to a parameter (e.g., within the enabled patch, whichmay include parent patches). As another example, the media applicationmay determine whether the user has provided an indication to modify anexisting mapping of the selected screen object (e.g., the user hasselected a new parameter for the mapping). If the media applicationdetermines to map the selected screen object to a parameter, process 900may move to step 916.

At step 916, the media application may receive a selection of aparameter. For example, the media application may receive a userselection of a parameter (e.g., receive a user selection of a parameterin response to selecting parameter map option 842, FIG. 8). As anotherexample, the media application may select a default parameter (e.g., themost common un-mapped parameter, or a parameter commonly mapped with theselected screen object). At step 918, the media application may map theselected parameter to the selected screen object. For example, the mediaapplication may update a data structure that includes the mapping ofscreen objects and parameters to reflect the new mapping of the selectedparameter to the selected screen object (e.g., data structure 700, FIG.7). Process 900 may then move to step 920.

If, a step 914, the media application instead determines not to map theselected screen object to a parameter, process 900 may move to step 920.At step 920, the media application may determine whether a new inputdevice has been coupled to the electronic device (e.g., input device 106coupled to electronic device 102, FIG. 1). For example, the mediaapplication may determine whether the user has replaced the prior inputdevice with a new input device (e.g., using identification data receivedfrom the input device). As another example, the media application maydetermine whether the user has coupled an input device to the electronicdevice when there previously was no input device. If the mediaapplication determines that a new input device has been coupled to theelectronic device, process 900 may move back to step 906 and identifynew input mechanisms to associate with the screen objects. If, at step920, the media application instead determines that a new input devicehas not been coupled to the electronic device, process 900 may move tostep 922.

At step 922, the media application may determine whether data from a newinput mechanism has been received. For example, the media applicationmay determine whether the user has actuated a new input mechanism. Asanother example, the media application may determine whether the userhas enabled the “learn” mode and actuated an input mechanism (e.g., anew input mechanism that the user would like to re-assign to anotherscreen object). If the media application determines that data from a newinput mechanism has been received, process 900 may move back to step 906and identify the new input mechanism. If, at step 922, the mediaapplication instead determines that data from a new input mechanism hasnot been received, process 900 may move to step 924.

At step 924, the media application may determine whether a new patch hasbeen selected. For example, the media application may determine whetherthe user has selected to enable a new patch (e.g., from patch list 802,FIG. 8). As another example, the media application may automaticallyselect a new patch, for example based on the current status of the mediaapplication (e.g., after finishing a track of a song using a firstpatch, automatically switching to the next patch for the next track ofthe song). If the media application determines that a new patch has beenenabled, process 900 may move back to step 904, and enable the newpatch. In some embodiments, the media application may instead or inaddition determine whether the user has selected a new channel strip atstep 924. If, at step 924, the media application instead determines thata new patch has not been selected, process 900 may end at step 926.

In some embodiments, the media application may map a screen object to asound mixer. The sound mixer may be operative to blend different amountsof several sounds together, for example blend several channel strips. Asthe user changes the value of the screen object, for example pressing afoot pedal, the level of each of the sounds (e.g., channel strips) mayvary. Using the sound mixer, a user may thus easily vary the soundoutput by an input device by changing the value of an input mechanismassigned to the appropriate screen object.

The media application may define the manner in which sounds vary usingany suitable approach. In some embodiments, the media application maycouple the value of the screen object (e.g., and of the input mechanismto which the screen object is assigned) with a chart graphicallydepicting the volume of each sound (e.g., each channel strip relative tothe value of the screen objection. FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic viewsof an illustrative channel strip mixer interface in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention. FIG. 10C is a schematic view of channelstrips identified in the channel strip mixer interface of FIGS. 10A and10B in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Channel stripmixer interfaces 1000A and 1000B may include channel strip identifier1002A and 1002B, respectively. The user may select an available channelstrip using channel strip menu 1004A and 1004B. In some embodiments, theuser may select a channel strip from channel strips display 1000C. Inthe example of FIGS. 10A and 10B, different channel strips are selectedin each of channel strip mixer interfaces 1000A and 1000B.

Channel strip mixer interfaces 1000A and 1000B may include controllertransforms 1010A and 1010B, respectively. Each of controller transforms1010A and 1010B may include graph 1012A and 1012B respectively. They-axis 1020 of each graph may represent the volume or amount of eachchannel strip that may be played, and the x-axis 1022 of each graph mayrepresent the available values of the screen object to which thecontroller transform may be mapped. Each of graphs 1012A and 1012B mayinclude curves 1030 and 1032, where curve 1030 may be associated withthe channel strip selected in channel strip mixer interface 1000A, andcurve 1032 may be associated with the channel strip selected in channelstrip mixer interface 1000B. The media application may identify thecurve associated with the currently selected channel strip using anysuitable approach, including for example changing the color of thecurve, bringing the curve to the foreground, sending other curves to thebackground, or any other suitable approach.

In the example of FIGS. 10A and 10B, the curve associated with eachchannel strip mixer interface is darkened and brought to the foreground.Curves 1030 and 1032 may be straight lines and symmetrical, such thatwhen the value of the screen object is at its minimum (e.g., 0), curve1032 associated with the “Bright Pop Piano” channel strip is the onlyone providing an output. As the user increases the value of the screenobject, the output of the “Bright Pop Piano” channel strip may decreasewith the slope of curve 1032, and the output of channel strip “CrispString Section” associated with curve 1030 may increase with the slopeof curve 1030. At the midpoint of the screen object (e.g., MIDI value63), the media application may output an equal amount of each of thechannel strip sections. As the value of the screen object increases toits maximum (e.g., MIDI value 127), the media application may outputonly the channel strip associated with curve 1030 (e.g., “Crisp StringSection”).

The user may change the shape of each line 1030 and 1032 using anysuitable approach. FIG. 11 is a schematic view of another channel stripmixer interface in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.Channel strip mixer interface 1100 may include graph 1112, in whichy-axis 1120 may represent the volume or amount of each channel stripthat may be played, and the x-axis 1122 may represent the availablevalues of the screen object to which the controller transform may bemapped. Graph 1112 may include any suitable number of curves (e.g., anysuitable number of channel strips may be mapped to the screen object).For example, graph 1112 may include curves 1130, 1132 and 1134. Each ofcurves 1130, 1132 and 1134 may include any suitable shape. For example,the curves may include a sequence of straight lines. As another example,the curves may include curved portions. The user may define the shape ofeach curve using any suitable approach. For example, the user may set aparameter for the channel strip associated with a curve to modify theshape of the curve. As another example, the user may select and drag aportion of the line (e.g., drag point 1140 to change the shape of curve1132). The user may select any suitable point of a curve to drag thecurve and modify its shape.

In some embodiments, the media application may provide a graphicalrepresentation of data provided by the input device. For example, themedia application may display a graphical representation of the inputdevice coupled to the electronic device (e.g., input device 106 coupledto electronic device 102, FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the graphicalrepresentation may be associated with a particular patch currentlyselected by the user (e.g., a keyboard patch). FIG. 12 is a schematicview of an illustrative display screen of a graphical representation ofan input device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.Display screen 1200 may include instrument 1202 that may resemble theinput mechanism (e.g., displayed in a “Perform” mode or in a “FullScreen” mode). For example, if the input device is a keyboard,instrument 1202 may include a graphical representation of a keyboard(e.g., as shown in FIG. 12). As another example, if the input device isa set of drum pads, instrument 1202 may include a graphicalrepresentation of drum pads.

Display screen 1200 may include screen objects 1210 of parametersassociated with displayed instrument 1202. In some embodiments, screenobjects 1210 may be mapped to parameters of one or more channel stripsof a selected patch. In addition to instrument 1202 and screen objects1210, display 1200 may include layers 1220 and 1222 associated withdifferent channel strips of the selected patch. In some embodiments, asingle layer 1220 or 1222 may be associated with one or more channelstrips of the selected patch (e.g., identified by different colors). Inthe example of FIG. 12, channel strip 1231 entitled “Bright SlappedBass” and channel strip 1232 entitled “Funk Piano Phaser” of theselected patch may define layer 1220, and channel strip 1233 entitled“Xyla Delay (SC)” may define layer 1222. The user may change the channelstrips placed in each layer using any suitable approach, including forexample changing the channel strip parameters (e.g., a layer parameteror a key input velocity parameter), dragging a channel strip in or outof a layer, or any other suitable approach.

Layers may be displayed using any suitable approach. For example, layers1220 and 1222 may be displayed along a y-axis (e.g., the height of thedisplay screen) to indicate the sequential order in which a user mayaccess the channel strips associated with each of layers 1220 and 1222.For example, the user may first access the channel strips of layer 1220,and then access the channel strips of layer 1222. The user may accesslayers 1220 and 1222 using any suitable approach. For example, the usermay access layers 1220 and 1222 based on a measure of the manner inwhich the user pressed a key of the input device (e.g., the key of akeyboard).

In some embodiments, the media application may provide access to upperlayers (e.g., layer 1222) based on the strength or velocity with whichthe user provided an input using the input device (e.g., based on thevelocity at which the user pressed a key of a keyboard coupled to theelectronic device). For example, the channel strips of layer 1220 may beaccessed when the user presses a key with a velocity that falls within afirst range (e.g., a lower velocity range), and the channel strips oflayer 1222 may be accessed when the user presses a key with a velocitythat falls within a second range (e.g., a higher velocity range). Insome embodiments, the media application may access a channel strip of alayer associated with a lower velocity in addition to or instead of achannel strip of a layer associated with a higher velocity in responseto receiving a higher velocity input.

The media application may provide a graphical representation of thelayers accessed by the user using any suitable approach. In someembodiments, the media application may change the color of a displayedlayer (e.g., layers 1220 and 1222) in response to accessing thedisplayed layer. FIG. 13 is an illustrative display screen of severallayers when a user provides an input at a first velocity in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention. Display screen 1300 may includeinstrument 1302, which may correspond to the input device used toprovide data to the media application. In the example of FIG. 13, theinput device may be a keyboard. Display screen 1300 may include layers1320 and 1322, where layer 1320 may include channel strips 1331 and1332, and layer 1322 may include channel strip 1333.

In response to receiving an input from the input device (e.g., inresponse to the user pressing a key of the keyboard), the mediaapplication may provide a graphical representation of the input. Forexample, the media application may depress keyboard key 1304 (or keys)that was pressed by the user on instrument 1302 (e.g., the keyboard keyidentified using MIDI data or other data identifying the particularinput key). When several layers are available to the user, however,merely displaying depressed key 1304 may be insufficient to identify theaccessed layer. In addition to displaying depressed key 1304, the mediaguidance application may change of the appearance of the channel stripor layer accessed in response to the user input. For example, each ofchannel strips 1331 and 1332 of layer 1320 may initially be displayed ina first color or pattern, for example a dull color (e.g., channel strip1331 is dull green, and channel strip 1332 is dull yellow) which maychange to a second color or pattern in response to receiving an input toaccess a channel strip. As shown in FIG. 13, channel strip 1332 maychange from color 1335 to color 1336 (e.g., from dull yellow to brightyellow). For example, the media application may add light effects togive the appearance that the first color is lit. In some embodiments,the amount of the second color displayed may depend on the manner inwhich the user provided the input. For example, if a channel strip isaccessed when inputs fall within a set velocity range (e.g., the userstrikes a key with a velocity that falls within a velocity range), theamount of the second color displayed may be related to the position inthe range of the input velocity (e.g., if the input is ⅓ from the bottomof the range, the media application may change the color for ⅓ of thechannel strip or layer).

FIG. 14 is an illustrative display screen of the several layers of FIG.13 when a user provides an input at a second velocity in accordance withan embodiment of the invention. Display screen 1400 may includeinstrument 1402, which may correspond to the input device used toprovide data to the media application, and which may be the same asinstrument 1302 (FIG. 13). In the example of FIG. 14, the input devicemay be a keyboard. Display screen 1400 may include layers 1420 and 1422,where layer 1420 may include channel strips 1431 and 1432, and layer1422 may include channel strip 1433. Layers 1420 and 1422, and channelstrips 1431, 1432 and 1433 may correspond to layers 1320 and 1322, andchannel strips 1331, 1332 and 1333 of FIG. 13, respectively.

In response to receiving an input from the input device (e.g., inresponse to the user pressing a key of the keyboard), the mediaapplication may provide a graphical representation of the input, similarto the input shown in FIG. 13 (e.g., depressed keyboard key 1304). Toindicate that a user has accessed layer 1422 (e.g., a layer accessiblewhen the velocity of the input is in a velocity range that is higherthan the velocity range for accessing layer 1420), the media applicationmay change the color of layer 1422 from initial color 1437 to color 1438(e.g., from dull blue to light blue). For example, the media applicationmay add light effects to give the appearance that the first color islit.

In some embodiments, the amount of the second color displayed may dependon the manner in which the user provided the input. For example, if achannel strip is enabled when inputs fall within a set velocity range(e.g., the user strikes a key with a velocity that falls within arange), the amount of the second color displayed may be related to theposition in the range of the input velocity (e.g., if the input is 30%from the bottom of the range, the media application may change the colorfor 30% of the channel strip or layer). If the media application passesthrough a first layer to reach a second layer (e.g., passes throughlayer 1420 to reach layer 1422), the media application may change thecolor of the entire first layer before starting to change the color ofthe second layer (e.g., layer 1420 is in color 1436). Alternatively, themedia application may leave the first layer in its initial color toindicate that the media application is not providing an outputcorresponding to a channel strip of the first layer.

The media application may use any suitable approach for providingoutputs when the velocity of an input passes through several layers. Forexample, if the user provides an input at a velocity that falls withinthe velocity range of layer 1422, and thus exceeds the velocity range oflayer 1420, the media application may or may not provide an outputcorresponding to channel strip 1432 of layer 1420. In some embodiments,the media application may simultaneously provide an output correspondingto channel strip 1432 of layer 1420 and channel strip 1433 of layer1422. In some embodiments, the media application may instead skipchannel strip 1432 of layer 1420 and only provide an outputcorresponding to channel strip 1433 of layer 1422. In some embodiments,the change of color of layers 1420 and 1422 may only occur if thechannel strips of the layer are accessed to provide an audio output.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of an illustrative process for providing a visualrepresentation of an accessed layer in accordance with one embodiment ofthe invention. Process 1500 may begin at step 1502. At step 1504, themedia application may identify the currently selected patch. Forexample, the media application may identify the patch currently selectedin patch list 802 (FIG. 8). In response to identifying the currentlyselected patch, the media application may identify the channel stripsassociated with the patch, and the layers in which the channel stripsare placed. In some embodiments, the media application may identify theparameters allowing access to each layer (e.g., the range of inputvelocities associated with each layer or with the channel strips of eachlayer). At step 1506, the media application may display layers for thechannel strips of the identified patch. For example, the mediaapplication determine which channel strips are associated with eachlayer based on the parameters set for each channel strip, and displaythe channel strips in the layers. The media application may display oneor more channel strips in each layer.

At step 1508, the media application may receive an input from an inputdevice. For example, the media application may receive an input frominput device 106 (FIG. 1). The input be received using any suitableprotocol, including for example an input from a musical instrumentreceived as a MIDI signal. At step 1510, the media application maydetermine the velocity of the input. For example, the media applicationmay determine, from the input or metadata provided with the input, thevelocity of the input. In some embodiments, the media application mayinstead determine a measure of the strength of the input (e.g., theforce used to provide the input or the tension applied to a string). Forexample, the media application may measure the loudness with which theuser hit a key (e.g., a keyboard key).

At step 1512, the media application may determine whether the velocityof the input identified at step 1510 corresponds to a velocity of afirst layer. For example, the media application may compare the inputvelocity identified at step 1510 with the range of velocities allowingaccess to the first layer. If the media application determines that theinput velocity falls within the range of velocities associated with thefirst layer, process 1500 may move to step 1514. At step 1514, the mediaapplication may change the appearance of the first layer based on theidentified velocity. For example, the media application may change theshading or color of the first layer in a manner that is related to theinput velocity (e.g., proportional to the input velocity). At step 1516,the media application may provide an output using a channel strip of thefirst layer. For example, the media application may identify the channelstrip output corresponding to the received input, and may provide theoutput to the user. Process 1500 may then end at step 1518.

If, at step 1512, the media application instead determines that theinput velocity does not fall within the range of velocities associatedwith the first layer (e.g., the input velocity falls within the range ofa second layer instead), process 1500 may move to step 1520. At step1520, the media application may determine whether to provide an outputusing a channel strip of the first layer. For example, the mediaapplication may determine whether the velocity exceeded the velocityrange of the first layer (e.g., the velocity passed through the velocityrange of the first layer), and whether layers that were passed throughare used to provide an output (e.g., whether the user has set aparameter directing the first layer to provide an output). If the mediaapplication determines that that the channel strip of the first layer isnot used to provide an output, process 1500 may move to step 1522. Atstep 1522, the media application may change the appearance of a secondlayer based on the identified velocity. For example, the mediaapplication may change the shading or color of the second layer in amanner that is related to the input velocity (e.g., proportional to theinput velocity). At step 1524, the media application may provide anoutput using a channel strip of the second layer. For example, the mediaapplication may identify the channel strip output corresponding to thereceived input, and may provide the output to the user. Process 1500 maythen end at step 1518.

If, at step 1522, the media application instead determines that that thechannel strip of the first layer is used to provide an output, process1500 may move to step 1526. At step 1526, the media application maychange the appearance of the entire first layer. For example, the mediaapplication may change the shading or color of the entire first layer(e.g., because the velocity is higher than the upper limit of the firstlayer velocity range). At step 1528, the media application may changethe appearance of a second layer based on the identified velocity. Forexample, the media application may change the shading or color of thesecond layer in a manner that is related to the input velocity (e.g.,proportional to the input velocity). At step 1530, the media applicationmay provide an output using a channel strip of the second layer. Forexample, the media application may identify the channel strip outputcorresponding to the received input, and may provide the output to theuser. Process 1500 may then end at step 1518.

In some embodiments, the user may set several channel strips in a singlelayer. For example, the user may define a layer that includes twochannel strips. To separate the channel strips, the user may set a splitbetween the channel strips, where the split may be defined as aparticular input (e.g., a particular key or a MIDI number associatedwith a particular key). When the user may provide an input that ishigher than the split, the media application may provide outputs usingone of the channel strips (e.g., a drum pad), and when the user providesan input that is lower than the split, the media application providesoutputs using the other channel strip (e.g., a keyboard). If the mediaapplication includes more than two channel strips in a given layer, themedia application may define a key range for each channel strip, wherethe limits of the key ranges define the splits for each of the channelstrips. Then, when a user provides an input, the media application mayidentify the key range into which the input falls, identify the channelstrip associated with the identified key range, and provide an outputusing the identified channel strip.

In some embodiments, the input device may include a limited number ofpossible inputs (e.g., a keyboard with few octaves), and may thereforelimit the inputs that the user can provide to each of the channel stripsof a particular layer. To accommodate a larger key range for each of thechannel strips, the media application may define a floating splitseparating the channel strips. The floating split may be operative toselectively extend each of the channel strips based on a number ofcriteria to allow the user to play a larger key range with each of thechannel strips.

FIG. 16 is a schematic view of an illustrative display screen withseveral channel splits in a layer in accordance with one embodiment ofthe invention. Display screen 1600 may include instrument 1602 and layer1620. Instrument 1602 may include any suitable instrument, including forexample a keyboard. Layer 1620 may include several channel strips, eachassociated with different key ranges. For example, layer 1620 mayinclude channel strip 1631 (e.g., entitled “Bright Slapped Bass”),channel strip 1632 (e.g., entitled “Funk Piano Phaser”) and channelstrip 1633 (e.g., entitled “Inst 54”). The limit between each of channelstrips 1631 and 1632, and 1632 and 1633 may be defined by a floatingsplit. For example, the user may define the key range associated witheach of the channel strips (e.g., by defining the high key and low keyof the channel strip), and may define the number of keys beyond the highor low key the channel strip may extend.

The user may define the key range and floating split for each channelstrip using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, the user may setthe key range and floating split as parameters of each channel strip,for example using a channel strip inspector (e.g., displayed instead ofscreen control inspector 840, FIG. 8). FIG. 17 is an illustrativedisplay of a channel strip inspector in accordance with one embodimentof the invention. Channel strip inspector 1700 may be used to setparameters for several channel strips. The user may set the high key ofthe channel strip key range using value slider 1710 (e.g., G8 in FIG.17), and the low key using value slider 1712 (e.g., C-2 in FIG. 17). Insome embodiments, the user may select one of learn options 1711 and 1713(e.g., displaying a highlight region on one of learn options 1711 and1713), and provide an input with the input device (e.g., press a key ofthe keyboard) to set the high or low key of the channel strip. The mediaapplication may prevent the user from setting a high key that is lowerthan the set low key, or may automatically transpose the high and lowkeys so that the key set using value slider 1710 may be higher than thekey set using value slider 1712.

The user may set a floating split for each of the high key and the lowkey of the selected channel strip using any suitable approach. In someembodiments, the user may set the floating split for the high key usingvalue slider 1714, and the floating split for the low key using valueslider 1716. The value set for each floating split may include aninteger defining the number of notes or half notes beyond the set highkey or low key that the user can extend the key range as he plays thechannel strip. In some embodiments, the floating split may include anote beyond the high key or low key to which the channel strip mayextend.

When the user plays within the key range of a channel strip, the mediaapplication may provide an output using the channel strip. As the usermoves towards the high or low key of the channel strip, the mediaapplication may selectively extend the key range of the channel strip upto the limit defined by the floating split (e.g., an extra five notesare allowed beyond the high or low key). FIG. 18A is a schematic view ofthe illustrative display screen of FIG. 16 when the floating splitbetween the channel strips moves in accordance with one embodiment ofthe invention. FIG. 18A may include instrument 1802, which may be thesame as instrument 1602 (FIG. 16), and layer 1820, which may include thesame channel strips as layer 1620 (FIG. 16). For example, channel strips1831, 1832 and 1833 may be the same as channel strips 1631, 1632 and1633. As the user plays channel strip 1833 and moves beyond the initiallow key associated with channel strip 1833, the media application mayextend the key range of channel strip 1833 from its initial lower limit1821 to extended lower limit 1822, and simultaneously reduce the keyrange of channel strip 1832 to accommodate for the additional keys takenby channel strip 1833. The media application may visually represent theflexible split between the channel strips by expanding and contractingthe amount of layer 1820 allocated to each of channel strips 1831, 1832and 1833.

The media application may display extended lower limit 1822 using anysuitable approach. For example, so long as the user does not exceed theadditional range allowed by the floating split, the media applicationmay move extended lower limit 1822 (and expand and contract channelstrips 1832 and 1833) to match the current input provided by the user(e.g., the current key entered by the user). As another example, themedia application may move extended lower limit 1822 to the end of therange allowed by the floating split (e.g., maximizing the lower keyrange associated with channel strip 1833) as soon as the user moves pastinitial lower limit 1821. When the user moves beyond the end of therange allowed by the floating split, or when the user returns to theinitial key range of the channel strip (e.g., moves higher than initiallower limit 1821), the media application may return the floating splitto its initial position (e.g., return floating split to initial lowerlimit 1821).

FIG. 18B is a schematic view of a flexible key range defined by afloating split point applied to a keyboard in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention. The user may define initial key range 1842for a particular channel strip. Initial key range 1842 may be defined bytwo notes, a user low note limit (e.g., C3), and a user high note limit(e.g., C5). The user high and low note limits may be defined using anysuitable approach, including for example a number associated with eachnote (e.g., a MIDI note number). The user may also define lower extendedkey range 1844, and higher extended key range 1846. Each of the lowerand higher extended key ranges may be defined, for example, by a numberrepresenting the number of notes beyond the defined low and high notelimits, respectively, that the key range can flexibly extend. As theuser plays keyboard 1840, the media application may determine, based onfactors described below, whether to extend the flexible key range toinclude the additional notes identified by arrows 1848 and 1849.

The media application may use any suitable criteria to determine whetherto move a floating split point and to extend the key range of a channelstrip. For example, the media application may attempt to minimizechanges of channel strips as the user plays to minimize the user'sconfusion. In some embodiments, the media application may consider theparameters set by the user, such as the high and low keys set for achannel strip, and the floating splits for each end of the key range.For example, the media application may determine whether an input by theuser exceeds the maximum range set by the floating split (e.g., thefloating split allows up to 3 notes beyond an upper or lower limit, andthe user has moved 5 notes beyond the limit).

In some embodiments, the media application may consider the maximalexpected note jump. For example, if the user jumps a large number ofnotes, starting from within an initial key range of a channel strip, andending within the extended portion of the key range (e.g., ending in theadditional notes defining the floating split), the media application maydetermine that the jump is too large to expect that the user intended toremain in the same channel strip, and may use another channel strip forthe second input. The media application may use any suitable value forthe maximum note jump, including for example one octave.

In some embodiments, the media application may consider the one or morecurrently played notes and currently pressed notes. FIG. 18C is aschematic view of a keyboard to which a flexible key range is applied inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention. As the usersequentially presses keys on keyboard 1860, the media application maykeep track of the prior played notes 1862, 2863, 1864 and 1865 (e.g., asheld notes). Then, when the user presses a key that is beyond theinitial key range of the selected channel strip, but still within theextended key range (e.g., note 1868), the media application maydetermine, based in part on prior notes 1862, 1863, 1864 and 1865,whether to extend the flexible key range. For example, the mediaapplication may identify the currently played note (e.g., the noteassociated with a note-on tag, for example a “MIDI Note On” tag). Asanother example, the media application may identify currently pressednotes that were previously pressed, but not yet released, such as whenthe user presses a key on a keyboard but has not yet released the key(e.g., the media application has not received a note-off tag, forexample a “MIDI Note Off” tag). If the media application determines thatthe currently played notes or currently pressed notes are within a givenrange of the floating split, the media application may extend the keyrange of the channel strip to include the floating split.

In some embodiments, the media application may consider the amount oftime after a key producing a note has been released. For example, themedia application may determine that if the user has released a keywithin the key range of a channel strip for a minimum amount of time,and subsequently presses a key that corresponds to the extended portionof the key range (e.g., a key that falls within the range of thefloating split), the media application may infer that the user intendedto change channel strips. The minimum amount of time may be any suitableamount of time. For example, the minimum amount of time may be 1 second,½ second, or any other measure of absolute time. As another example, theminimum amount of time may be related to the tempo set for the concert,patch or channel strip. The minimum amount of time may include, forexample, one or more beats.

In some embodiments, the media application may consider the history ofall played notes (e.g., and thus user inputs). For example, the mediaapplication may determine that the user has played primarily using aparticular channel strip, and may therefore extend the channel strip tolimit the number of channel strip changes. As another example, the mediaapplication may recognize patterns of notes played by the user, and maymaintain the channel strip when the user repeats the pattern farther upor down in the key range. As still another example, the mediaapplication may compare the notes played by the user with a database ofcommon key progressions or chords and known songs, and extend the keyrange of a channel strip upon determining that the user is playing aknown key progression.

FIG. 19A is a flowchart of an illustrative process for extending the keyrange of a channel strip using a floating split in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention. It will be understood that the order of thesteps of this and other flowcharts described herein is merelyillustrative, and any suitable order of steps may be used. Process 1900may begin at step 1902. A step 1904, the media application may identifythe current channel strip. For example, the media application mayidentify the channel strip associated with the last input received fromthe input device (e.g., input device 106, FIG. 1). At step 1906, themedia application may identify the initial key range of the identifiedchannel strip. For example, the media application may identify, from theparameters set for the channels trip, the high and low keys associatedwith the channel strip. As another example, the media application mayidentify the current high and low keys (e.g., including floating splitsif currently used). In some embodiments, the media application may alsodetermine whether the channel strip includes a floating split, and theamount by which the floating split extends the key range of theidentified channel strip.

At step 1908, the media application may determine whether an input isreceived. For example, the media application may determine whether theuser has provided an input using input device 106 (e.g., pressed a keyon a keyboard to provide a MIDI note). If the media applicationdetermines that no input has been received, process 1900 may move tostep 1910 and end. If, at step 1908, the media application insteaddetermines that an input has been received, process 1900 may move tostep 1912.

At step 1912, the media application may determine whether the receivedinput is outside of the initial key range of the identified channelstrip (e.g., identified at step 1906). For example, the mediaapplication may compare the received input (e.g., the MIDI dataidentifying the note) with the key range of the channel strip. If themedia application determines that the received input falls within theinitial key range of the identified channel strip, process 1900 may moveto step 1914. At step 1914, the media application may provide an outputbased on the received input and on the identified channel strip. Forexample, the media application may provide an output that includes thenote input by the user to which the effects of the channel stripidentified at step 1904 are applied (e.g., which instrument to resemble,fade or volume). Process 1900 may then return to step 1908 to await thenext input received from the input device.

If, at step 1912, the media application instead determines that theinput is outside of the initial key range of the identified channelstrip, process 1900 may move to step 1916. At step 1916, the mediaapplication may determine whether the received input is within theflexible split region of the key range. For example, the mediaapplication may determine whether the received input is within theamount of additional notes or keys by which the channel strip may beextended (e.g., within the amounts of floating splits 1714 or 1716). Asanother example, the media application may determine whether the currentchannel strip even has a floating split at all. If the media applicationdetermines that the received input is not within the flexible splitregion of the key range, process 1900 may move to step 1918.

At step 1918, the media application may select the channel strip havinga key range that includes the received input. For example, the mediaapplication may compare the received input with the key ranges of theother channel strips available in the patch or layer, and select thechannel strip with which the received input is associated. At step 1920,the media application may provide an output based on the received inputand on the other channel strip. For example, the media application mayprovide an output that includes the note input by the user to which theeffects of the other channel strip identified at step 1918 are applied(e.g., which instrument to resemble, fade or volume). Process 1900 maythen return to step 1906 to identify the initial key range of the otherchannel strip.

If, at step 1916, the media application instead determines that thereceived input is within the flexible split region of the key range,process 1900 may move to step 1922. At step 1922, the media applicationmay determine whether to extend the key range of the current channelstrip. For example, the media application may infer, based on theprevious inputs received from the input device, whether the user intendsto remain in the same channel strip or to change channel strips. If themedia application determines not to extend the key range of the currentchannel strip, process 1900 may move to step 1918, described above.

If, at step 1922, the media application instead determines to extend thekey range of the current channel strip, process 1900 may move to step1924. At step 1924, the media application may extend the key range ofthe channel strip to include the received input. For example, the mediaapplication may associate all inputs between the received input and theinitial channel strip key range high or low key with the identifiedchannel strip. In some embodiments, the media application may update agraphical display of the key range of the channel strip (e.g., channelstrips displayed simultaneously in the same layer) to indicate that theidentified channel strip has been expanded, and that another channelstrip has been reduced. At step 1926, the media application may providean output based on the received input and on the identified channelstrip. For example, the media application may provide an output thatincludes the note input by the user to which the effects of the channelstrip identified at step 1904 are applied (e.g., which instrument toresemble, fade or volume). Process 1900 may then return to step 1908 toawait the next input received from the input device.

FIG. 19B is a flowchart of another illustrative process for setting thekey range of a channel strip using a floating split in accordance withone embodiment of the invention. Process 1940 may begin at step 1942. Atstep 1944, the media application may reset the working flexible keyrange of the currently selected channel strip to the default valuesprovided by the user. For example, the media application may set the lowand high note limits for the key range (e.g., variables userLowNoteLimitand userHighNoteLimit), and the number of notes beyond the low and highlimits that the key range may be extended (e.g., variablesuserLowNoteExtend and userHighNoteExtend) to the values set in a channelstrip inspector (e.g., channel strip inspector 1700, FIG. 17). At step1946, the media application may receive a user input. For example, themedia application may receive a note from a keyboard coupled to themedia application.

At step 1948, the media application may determine whether the note iswithin the flexible key range set at step 1944. For example, the mediaapplication may compare the received note with the upper and lowerlimits of the working flexible key range. If the media applicationdetermines that the received note is not within the working flexible keyrange, process 1940 may move to step 1950 where the next layer (e.g.,the next channel strip having a different key range) may be selected.Process 1940 may then end at step 1951, or return to step 1944 and reseta new working flexible key range that is associated with the next layer.

If, at step 1948, the media application instead determines that receivednote is within the working flexible key range, process 1940 may move tostep 1952. At step 1952, the media application may set the variableextendLower to be the value of the input note to which 12 is subtracted.extendLower may be a variable defining a lower limit for a key rangebased on the received note, and 12 may be any suitable number. Forexample, the number 12 may be selected because there are 12 notes in anoctave. At step 1954, the media application may compare the value ofextendLower and the value of the lowest note of the flexible key range(e.g., userLowNoteLimit-userLowNoteExtend). If the media applicationdetermines that the value of the lowest note of the flexible key rangeis higher than the value of extendLower, process 1940 may move to step1956. At step 1956, the media application may reset the value ofvariable extendLower to the value of the lowest note of the flexible keyrange (e.g., userLowNoteLimit-userLowNoteExtend). Process 1940 may thenmove to step 1958.

If, at step 1954, the media application instead determines that thevalue of the value of extendLower is higher than the lowest note of theflexible key range, process 1940 may move to step 1958. At step 1958,the media application may compare the value of extendLower (e.g., theinput note-12) with the value of the highest held note below the inputnote (e.g., the note received at step 1946). For example, if thereceived note was played by a keyboard user's right hand, the mediaapplication may determine whether the value of the note one octave belowthe received note (e.g., input note-12) is smaller than the value of thehighest note that was played by the user's left hand (e.g., which wouldpresumably have a lower value than notes played with the user's righthand). If the media application determines that the value of extendLower(e.g., the input note-12) is smaller than the value the highest heldnote below the input note, process 1940 may move to step 1960. At step1960, the media application may set the value of variable extendLower toa middle value between the previous value of extendLower and the highestheld note below the current note. Process 1940 may then move to step1962.

If, at step 1958, the media application instead determines that thevalue of extendLower is higher than the value the highest held notebelow the input note, process 1940 may move to step 1962. At step 1962,the media application may set the low note of the flexible key range tothe value of extendLower. At step 1964, the media application may setthe variable extendHigher to be the value of the input note to which 12is added. extendHigher may be a variable defining an upper limit for akey range based on the received note, and 12 may be any suitable number.For example, the number 12 may be selected because there are 12 notes inan octave. At step 1966, the media application may compare the value ofextendHigher and the value of the highest note of the flexible key range(e.g., userHighNoteLimit+userHighNoteExtend). If the media applicationdetermines that the value of the highest note of the flexible key rangeis lower than the value of extendHigher, process 1940 may move to step1968. At step 1968, the media application may reset the value ofvariable extendHigher to the value of the highest note of the flexiblekey range (e.g., userHighNoteLimit+userHighNoteExtend). Process 1940 maythen move to step 1970.

If, at step 1966, the media application instead determines that thevalue of the value of extendHigher is lower than the highest note of theflexible key range, process 1940 may move to step 1970. At step 1970,the media application may compare the value of extendHigher (e.g., theinput note+12) with the value of the lowest held note above the inputnote (e.g., the note received at step 1946). For example, if thereceived note was played by a keyboard user's left hand, the mediaapplication may determine whether the value of the note one octave abovethe received note (e.g., input note+12) is higher than the value of thelowest note that was played by the user's right hand (e.g., which wouldpresumably have a higher value than notes played with the user's lefthand). If the media application determines that the value ofextendHigher (e.g., the input note+12) is higher than the value thelowest held note above the input note, process 1940 may move to step1972. At step 1972, the media application may set the value of variableextendHigher to a middle value between the previous value ofextendHigher and the lowest held note above the current note. Process1940 may then move to step 1974.

If, at step 1970, the media application instead determines that thevalue of extendHigher is lower than the value the lowest held note abovethe input note, process 1940 may move to step 1974. At step 1974, themedia application may set the high note of the flexible key range to thevalue of extendHigher. Process 1940 may then return to step 1946 toreceive another input from the user (e.g., another note from a keyboardcoupled to the media application).

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of an illustrative process for determiningwhether to extend the key range of a channel strip in accordance withone embodiment of the invention. In some embodiments, process 2000 maycorrespond to step 1922 of process 1900 (FIG. 19A). Process 2000 maybegin at step 2002. At step 2004, the media application may identify theprevious inputs received from the input device. For example, the mediaapplication may identify the notes corresponding to the previous inputsreceived from input device 106 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the mediaapplication may identify all of the previous inputs, a particular numberof previous inputs (e.g., the last ten inputs), the previous inputsreceived over a particular time period (e.g., the inputs received in thelast 15 seconds), or any other suitable amount of previous inputs. Insome embodiments, the media application may identify, from the previousinputs, a progression of notes (e.g., inputs are decreasing notes) or aknown pattern (e.g., inputs are those of a particular song).

At step 2006, the media application may compare the current input withthe previous inputs identified at step 2004. For example, the mediaapplication may compare a current input received at step 1908 of process1900 (FIG. 19) with the previous inputs. In some embodiments, the mediaapplication may determine the relationship between the current input andthe previous inputs (e.g., the next note in a progression of notes, thenext note in a song, or an unrelated note). At step 2008, the mediaapplication may determine whether the jump between the current input andthe previous inputs exceeds a maximum allowed jump. For example, themedia application may determine whether the number of notes between thelast or one of the previously played notes exceeds a maximum limit(e.g., one octave). If the media application determines that the jumpbetween the current input and the previous inputs exceeds a maximumallowed jump, process 2000 may move to step 2010. At step 2010, themedia application may not extend the key range of the channel strip. Forexample, the media application may provide an output corresponding tothe received input using another channel strip. Process 2000 may thenend at step 2012.

If, at step 2010, the media application instead determines that the jumpbetween the current input and the previous inputs does not exceed amaximum allowed jump; process 2000 may move to step 2014. At step 2014,the media application may determine whether the time between the currentinput and the previous inputs exceeds a maximum allowed time. Forexample, the media application may determine whether the time elapsedbetween the last input and the current input exceeds an absolute amountof time (e.g., 1 second), a number of beats (e.g., 8 beats), or anyother suitable measure of time. In some embodiments, the mediaapplication may compare the time lapsed between previous inputs with thetime lapsed between the last input and the current input. For example,the media application may determine whether the lapsed time between thecurrent input and last input is substantially longer than the timelapsed between the between previous inputs. If the media applicationdetermines that the time between the current input and the previousinputs exceeds a maximum allowed time, process 2000 may move to step2010, described above.

If, at step 2014, the media application instead determines that the timebetween the current input and the previous inputs does not exceed amaximum allowed time, process 2000 may move to step 2016. At step 2016,the media application may determine whether the current input follows aprogression of previous inputs. For example, the media application maydetermine whether the note of the current input is the next in a simpleprogression of notes (e.g., notes going down). As another example, themedia application may determine whether the input is the next step of achord, note, or key progression. As still another example, the mediaapplication may determine whether the input is the next step of a knownmusical piece (e.g., the next note or chord in a song). The mediaapplication may use any suitable knowledge of music and common sounds todetermine whether the current input follows the previous inputs (e.g.,the media application may know that a sharp rarely follows a particularnote). In some embodiments, the media application may account forplaying mistakes by the user (e.g., by reducing the tolerance formatching the progression of inputs to known progressions or songs). Ifthe media application determines that the current input does not followa progression of previous inputs, process 2000 may move to step 2010,described above.

If, at step 2016, the media application instead determines that thecurrent input follows a progression of previous inputs, process 2000 maymove to step 2018. At step 2018, the media application may extend thekey range of the current channel strip. For example, the mediaapplication may modify the key range of the current channel strip toinclude the current input. In some embodiments, the media applicationmay update a graphical display of the key range of the channel strip(e.g., channel strips displayed simultaneously in the same layer) toindicate that the identified channel strip has been expanded, and thatanother channel strip has been reduced. Process 2000 may then end atstep 2012.

In some embodiments, the user of the media application may changepatches during a performance. For example, the user may change patchesduring a solo (e.g., change the guitar patch during a guitar solo). Asanother example, the user may change patches when playing a new song. Toavoid an abrupt change in the sound output by the media application, themedia application may continue to play the patch even after a new patchhas been selected. For example, a previously selected patch may continueto survive until the user closes the patch. As another example, if thepatch has a resonate effect, the patch may continue to resonate after anew patch has been selected. As still another example, the mediaapplication may progressively fade out a patch and fade in a new patchin response to selecting the new patch. As still yet another example,the media application may maintain the patch's sound after a new patchhas been selected for a particular amount of time (e.g., a number ofseconds or minutes, a number of beats, or a number of inputs received).

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of an illustrative process for maintaining apatch sound after a new patch is selected in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention. Process 2100 may begin at step 2102. Atstep 2104, the media may receive a new patch selection. For example, themedia application may receive a user selection of a patch (e.g., usingpatch list 802, FIG. 8). At step 2106, the media application maydetermine whether the previous patch survives. For example, the mediaapplication may determine whether the patch has a resonate parameter. Asanother example, the media application may determine whether the userhas set a parameter to fade out the previous patch, or to extend theduration of the previous patch after a new patch has been selected. Ifthe media application determines that the patch does not survive,process 2100 may move to step 2108. At step 2108, the media applicationmay provide an output using only the newly selected patch. For example,the media application may provide an output that includes the user'sinput to which the effects of the newly selected patch are applied(e.g., which instrument to resemble, fade or volume). Process 2100 maythen move to step 2110 and end.

If, at step 2106, the media application instead determines that thepatch survives, process 2100 may move to step 2112. At step 2112, themedia application may provide an output using the newly selected patch.For example, the media application may provide an output that includesthe user's input to which the effects of the newly selected patch areapplied (e.g., which instrument to resemble, fade or volume). At step2114, the media application may provide an output using the previouspatch. For example, the media application may simultaneously provide theoutputs of the newly selected and previously selected patches. Asanother example, the media application may fade the previous patch(e.g., progressively reduce the output of the previous patch over aperiod of time such as, for example five seconds, or 10 beats). Process2100 may then end at step 2110.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of another illustrative process for maintaining apatch sound after another patch is selected in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention. Process 2200 may begin at step 2202. Atstep 2204, the media application may determine whether a new patch hasbeen selected. For example, the media application may determine whethera user selection of a patch was received (e.g., using patch list 802,FIG. 8). If the media application determines that a new patch as beenselected, process 2200 may move to step 2206. At step 2206, the mediaapplication may determine whether the currently selected patch (e.g.,the patch selected prior to receiving the new patch selection at step2204) still generates an audio signal or has sustaining musical notes.For example, the media application may determine whether any keys areheld on a keyboard coupled to the media application.

If the media application determines that the currently selected patchstill generates an audio signal or has sustaining musical notes, process2200 may move to step 2208. At step 2208, the media application may freeresources used by the current patch and stop executing audio signalprocessing. For example, the media application may re-allocate processorand memory resources away from the current patch. Process 2200 may thenmove to step 2210.

If, at step 2206, the media application instead determines that thecurrently selected patch no longer generates an audio signal and has nosustaining musical notes, process 2200 may move to step 2210. At step2210, the media application may allocate resources to the new patch andstart executing audio signal processing for the new patch. At step 2212,the media application may reset the current patch variable to the patchnewly selected at step 2204. Process 2200 may then move to step 2214.

If, at step 2204, the media application instead determines that a newpatch has not been selected, process 2200 may move to step 2214. At step2214, the media application may determine whether patches other than thecurrent patch (e.g., the patch selected prior to receiving the new patchselection at step 2204) are generating audio or have sustaining notes.For example, the media application may determine whether any keys areheld on a keyboard coupled to the media application. If the mediaapplication determines that no patches other than the current patch aregenerating audio and no other patches have sustaining notes, process2200 may move to step 2216. At step 2216, the media application maydetermine whether patches other than the current patch have been playingfor too long. For example, the media application may determine whetherpatches other than the current patch have been playing for longer thantimed-out patch maximum (e.g., 5 seconds). If the media applicationdetermines that no patches other than the current patch have beenplaying for too long, process 2200 may move back to step 2204 andcontinue to monitor user inputs for a new patch selection. If the mediaapplication instead determines that at least one patch other than thecurrent patch has been playing for too long, process 2214 may move tostep 2218.

If, at step 2214, the media application determines that patches otherthan the current patch are generating audio or have sustaining notes,process 2200 may move to step 2218. At step 2218, the media applicationmay free resources used by the patches identified at step 2214 and stopexecuting audio signal processing for those patches. Process 2200 maythen return to step 2204 and continue to monitor user inputs for a newpatch selection.

The above described embodiments of the present invention are presentedfor purposes of illustration and not of limitation, and the presentinvention is limited only by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device comprising: a processorconfigured to: present a virtual instrument on the electronic device,wherein the virtual instrument comprises a first selectable key rangecorresponding to a first audio channel strip, and wherein the firstselectable key range comprises a first plurality of selectable keys;receive a first input corresponding to a selection of at least one limitof the first selectable key range, wherein the at least one limit isconfigured to at least partially define the selectable key range;receive a second input corresponding to a selection of a floating split,wherein the floating split is configured to at least partially define asecond plurality of selectable keys of a second selectable key rangecorresponding to a second audio channel strip; and extend the limit ofthe first selectable key range to encompass one or more selectable keysof the second plurality of selectable keys of the second selectable keyrange based at least in part on whether a received third inputcorresponds to a selection of a selectable key of the second pluralityof selectable keys of the second selectable key range.
 2. The electronicdevice of claim 1, wherein the first selectable key range issubstantially adjacent to the second selectable key range, and whereinthe processor is configured to extend the limit of the first selectablekey range when the received third input is preceded by at least oneselection of a selectable key of the first plurality of selectable keys.3. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the processor is configuredto extend the limit of the first selectable key range to permit thereceived third input to correspond to the first audio channel strip. 4.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured toselectively extend the limit of the first selectable key range toencompass one or more selectable keys of the second plurality ofselectable keys of the second selectable key range based at least inpart on whether the received third input corresponds to a selection of aselectable key of the first plurality of selectable keys substantiallynearby a selectable key of the second plurality of selectable keys. 5.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured toreceive the second input corresponding to the selection of the floatingsplit by presenting an audio channel strip inspector configured toreceive one or more user inputs defining a lowermost selectable key anda higher most selectable key of the first plurality of selectable keys.6. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein the processor is configuredto determine the floating split for each of the lowermost selectable keyand the higher most selectable key of the first selectable key range,and wherein the floating split comprises one or more selectable keys ofthe second plurality of selectable keys to which the first selectablekey range may extend.
 7. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein theprocessor is configured to determine the floating split for each of thelowermost selectable key and the higher most selectable key of the firstselectable key range, and wherein the floating split comprises auser-determined number of selectable keys of the second plurality ofselectable keys to which the first selectable key range may extend. 8.The electronic device of claim 1, comprising an input device, whereinthe processor is configured to receive the third input via the inputdevice, and wherein the third input corresponds to at least one of aplurality of musical notes playable via the virtual instrument.
 9. Theelectronic device of claim 8, wherein the input device comprises acomputer keyboard or an audio input device.
 10. One or more tangible,non-transitory machine-readable media comprising instructions to:associate, in a media application, a first channel strip with acontiguous first key range of user-selectable keys of an input device;associate, in the media application, a second channel strip with acontiguous second key range of user-selectable keys of the input device,wherein the second key range is adjacent to the first key range; anddefine, in the media application, a floating split between the firstchannel strip and the second channel strip, wherein the floating splitis configured to vary to extend the first key range or the second keyrange, or both at various times, while a user plays music in the mediaapplication using the input device based at least in part on userselections of the user-selectable keys of the input device.
 11. The oneor more machine-readable media of claim 10, comprising instructions toreceive indications of user selections of the user-selectable keys ofthe input device, wherein the input device comprises a MusicalInstrument Digital Interface (MIDI) input device.
 12. The one or moremachine-readable media of claim 11, wherein each of the indications ofthe user selections of the user-selectable keys comprises one or moreMusical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) note numbers.
 13. The one ormore machine-readable media of claim 10, comprising instructions todisplay a first user interface element on an electronic display, whereinthe first user interface element comprises a first user-adjustableslider configured to define the first key range.
 14. The one or moremachine-readable media of claim 13, wherein the first user interfaceelement comprises a settings menu of the first channel strip.
 15. Theone or more machine-readable media of claim 13, wherein the instructionsto associate the first channel strip with the first key range compriseinstructions to receive a user adjustment or acceptance of a setting ofthe first user-adjustable slider.
 16. The one or more machine-readablemedia of claim 10, wherein the instructions to associate the firstchannel strip with the first key range comprise instructions to receivean indication of user selections of two of the user-selectable keys ofthe input device representing a low key and a high key of the first keyrange.
 17. The method of claim 10, comprising instructions to display agraphical representation of a virtual instrument on an electronicdisplay that visually identifies the first key range and the second keyrange.
 18. An electronic device comprising: a display; and a processorcommunicatively coupled to the display, and configured to: present avirtual instrument on the display, wherein the virtual instrumentcomprises a first selectable key range corresponding to a first audiochannel strip and a second selectable key range corresponding to asecond audio channel strip, and wherein the first selectable key rangeand the second selectable key range each comprises a plurality ofselectable keys; receive a first input corresponding to a selection of afloating split, wherein the floating split is configured to separate thefirst selectable key range and the second selectable key range; andreposition the floating split to increase the plurality of selectablekeys of the first selectable key range based at least in part on whethera received second input corresponds to a selection of a selectable keyof the second selectable key range following one or more inputscorresponding to selections of selectable keys of the first selectablekey range.
 19. The electronic device of claim 18, wherein the processoris configured to cause the display to display a graphical representationof the virtual instrument, and wherein the display comprises a touchsensitive display configured to detect the first input, the secondinput, the one or more inputs, or any combination thereof.
 20. Theelectronic device of claim 18, wherein the processor is configured toreceive the first input corresponding to the selection of the floatingsplit by receiving a user input via an audio channel strip inspectorpresented on the display, and wherein the audio channel strip inspectorcomprises a user-movable graphic configured to define a number ofselectable keys beyond the first selectable key range to which the firstselectable key range may be extended.